Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Welcome!2014- 2015 Ninth Grade World

History CourseAcademic A LevelAccelerated LevelMs. Kim Barben

kbarben@gvsd.org

Billy Joel’s Original “We Didn’t Start the Fire”

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTQ6bSefxL4

• “We Didn’t Start the Fire” video four minutes and 51 seconds

Little Background on Ms. Barben• This is my 21st year teaching high school Social

Studies.• I have taught predominantly ninth and tenth

graders in that time.• I attended Millersville University as an

undergraduate and St. Joseph’s University as a graduate student.

• I specialized in European History and in Reading.

Impact of the ClassLessons Learned

Don’t Believe The Hype About My Class!

Letter from Former StudentHello Ms. Barben, In the past few weeks, I was thinking a lot about the world history course that I took with you back in high school. And I've been trying to find the time to write you just to let you know. I think a lot of it has to do with the start of my internship. A funny thing happened and I sort of ended up in an education intern position at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. It's been my job to read about common cores and understand secondary education across the US for history and language arts. Therefore, while I'm busy researching I keep thinking about the world history class thinking about how that was the only time I ever sat down in a history class to talk about human rights. I cannot remember if we covered the Holocaust or not. I want to say we briefly learned about WWII, but I do remember discussions of the Armenian Genocide. In the three weeks I've been at my internship so far, I've learned a lot about lesson plans and the struggle of involving certain parts of history. I thought it was interesting because even with my mom as a teacher, I never really thought of how challenging that was and we covered so much information in your class including the huge research paper. Anyhow, in all of that mess, I just wanted to say that I was thinking of your class and wanted you to know that I still reflect on it even without the internship circumstances. I honestly wish I took the chance to take more world history classes in university. The reason to why I did not is a long story though. It'll still be a college regret of mine, which is kind of funny. One more thing, if there's ever a chance, I would love to catch up if that's possible. Have a nice day. Thank you,Ariel

Letter from Former StudentHey Ms. Barben! I'm sorry for taking so long to get in touch with you. I want to say thank you for all the help you've given me in high school. You prepared me for college and the real world more than anybody else ever did, and I can't thank you enough for that. The recommendation letter you wrote for me was absolutely spectacular and it probably got me in to at least half of the colleges and universities that I applied to, so thank you again for that. You are one of the best teachers I've ever had, including all twelve years of schooling and college. I hope your year is going well and that you're doing great! Best,Jake

Letter from a Former StudentHey Ms. Barben!

I have officially completed my first week of school at Temple! I absolutely LOVE it here and can't picture myself anywhere else. I can't thank you enough for writing my letter of recommendation and the amount of time, dedication and concern you showed throughout my college process. I still can picture myself sitting in your class sophomore year and I am stunned at how quickly time flies by. In addition to being thankful for my letter of rec, I can't express to you how grateful I am that you have taught me how to talk to the text. As I get bombarded with readings for each of my classes, I look around at my classmates who stress out about the amount of reading and information they have to retain and I know that by using talking to the text I will have no problem dissecting and retaining the information! I just wanted to say hi and let you know how useful your methods are and how much they have benefitted me over the past couple years. I hope all is well in the valley and I'll be sure to stop in and visit on vacations!

You’re the best!Joy

Letter from a Former StudentDear Ms. Barben,

I hope all is going well for you so far this year and your new students. I am writing to you to let you know how useful your course has been for me this year even though I had class with you three years ago. I have saved several papers from your class that is allowing me to write essays much easier and keep myself organized here at your alma mater. As much as I hated the notebook checks when I was in your class, I decided to do your numbering method to keep organized and low and behold i had a pop up notebook check in one of my classes. Of course I got 100 percent on it because it is a flawless method. I'm not sure if the curriculum is still the same as when I was a sophomore and SS was an elective, but if it is please talk to those who are considering dropping and have them reconsider it. It will not doubt help them in the future! Sincerely your former student,Ryan

Letter from a Former Student

Hey Ms. Barben, I just thought I would thank you and let you know that your class my sophomore year helped me pass my college history midterm. I had to write a bunch of essays, one on Henry VIII and I was able to remember more that you taught me than my professor did. THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!!!! Your class has helped me more than you know!

-- Natasha Z.

Letter from a Former StudentHi Miss Barben, It has been way too long since I have last talked to you. I just started school at UNC Wilmington after taking a year off to work at Disney. Today, I was reviewing a paper I had to write for English class, looking for grammatical errors, and working on my transitions. At first, it was a little difficult, but once I got the ball rolling I was having no trouble at all transitioning and connecting one thought to another. I owe a large part of that skill to the teachers at Great Valley, but especially to you. I had no idea how prepared I was for college until I got here. So many students are complaining about papers, and are having trouble writing, but you taught us the skills we need to succeed. This is the second paper I have written this semester. I went in during my teacher's office hours once for this paper, and once for the paper before. I asked her to review and edit my work, along with give me feedback about my writing. She said I was only one of three students that had utilized her office hours, and of the three, I was the only one who had asked her for help twice. I owe you a huge thank you for encouraging and teaching me to ask for help. Basically, I just want you to know that your hard work and dedication to all of us students doesn't go unnoticed. Your class was hard, but it was worth it. Thank you for caring about me, and for challenging me to do my best. I hope all is well and that I will see you the next time I am home. Love, Tess

Letter from a Former Student’s ParentHello Mrs. Barben, I wanted to drop you a note to let you know that Kenna starts classes at Alfred University on Monday. We moved her in on the 21st and she really seems to fit in nicely. Her dorm room is very small, as dorm rooms are, but she has made the most of every inch. She is very excited and seems to be embracing the whole experience as a grand adventure. I would like to thank you for all you have done for Kenna in her high school career and in her college applications. We appreciate it more than you will ever know. Your students are lucky to have you on their side. Sincerely.Lisa

Letter from a Former Student’s ParentMiss Barben,

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you for taking all the extra time it takes to keep us informed as parents. Your e-mails are helpful and help bridge the gap between Skyward and our often silent teenagers. As with Daniel, I know Kyle will come away from your class with greater knowledge than history. He will know how to budget and prioritize his time, make long term projects manageable, plan for the unexpected, be organized, nurture his creative side and function in the real world with deadlines. Thank you for the extra time you give our children. Often as an educator you go unappreciated so I hope you take this as a "warm fuzzy" and a heartfelt thank you.

Enjoy your holiday and have a Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year.

The Sheridans,Gary, Kathy, Brian, Daniel and Kyle

Little Background on the Course• Mr. Morabito and I are team teaching the

Accelerated and Academic A classes.• We will be using the same lessons and materials for

the course.• Given that the course covers recent events and

countries in the present, the textbook is not used for most of the units.

• Instead we will be using current articles, websites, and film clips to examine the different regions.

• Online Textbook Information:

• Website: www.glencoe.com/ose

• Student Log In Access Code Number: D917986116

Course Description• This course is designed to allow Great Valley

students to examine world cultures through geographic, political, economic, religious, and historical lenses.

• It is to provide students with the knowledge to be an active American citizen by building their knowledge of the global community of the twenty-first century.

Units• First Semester:• Age of Enlightenment and Its Impact: In this

introduction unit, we will be examining a time period from European History that laid the foundations for democracy and human rights. The themes from this unit will be tied into the following units within specific lessons whether in a Collins writing prompt, group activity, or short answer test question.

• Middle East and North Africa: A study of the world religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the history of the region with an emphasis on the modern world from the 1800s to the present, political and physical geography of the region, the cultural institutions of the regions, and an emphasis on the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, the Arab Spring and its lasting impact on Syria, and Egypt.

• Africa: A study of the history of the region with an emphasis on the arrival of the Europeans from the 1500s to the present, political and physical geography of the region, the development and end of Apartheid in South Africa, the environmental crisis of famine, civil war and genocide with a focus on Darfur and Rwanda, and other current event issues like child labor, blood diamonds, and health epidemics, and genocides.

• Second Semester:• Africa Continued• South Asia-India and Pakistan: A study of the

world religions of Hinduism, Sikkhism, Buddhism, and Islam, the history of the region with an emphasis on the modern world with the arrival of the Europeans in the 1700s to the present, political and physical geography of the region, the cultural institutions of the region, and an emphasis on environmental issues like overpopulation, flooding, earthquakes, the hostile relationship between Pakistan and India and the issues of nuclear weapons, and the growing role of India in the world’s economy.

• East Asia---China and Japan: A study of the world religions and philosophies of Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism, and Shintoism, the history of the region with an emphasis on the modern world with the arrival of the Europeans in the 1700s to the present, a focus on the Communist Revolution and development of Communism within China, a focus on Post-War Japan, political and physical geography of the region, and current events and issues with an emphasis on environmental and human rights issues.

Grades• There are a number of grades for each marking period. The grades are weighted by the

type of assessment. The school’s grade scale is used for determining letter grades in my class. They will consist of:

• • Required Authentic Course Assessments--- These are Common Formative and

Summative Assessments done within the Academic A and Accelerated Levels like common objective test questions, short answer/essay questions, group projects, individual propaganda posters, etc…

• Interactive Notebooks---There will be one per unit. Each notebook will contain all class notes, handouts, readings, class work, graded homework, and extra credit. Each notebook will be collected at the end of each unit on the last test day.

• Homework---– There is usually a daily homework assignment each night that takes about a half hour. It may be

reading and taking notes, working on your part of a group project, or a Formative/Summative Assessment.

– The homework assignments will usually be different and based upon level-appropriate skills and supplemental readings.

– The weekly homework assignments will be the homework for MULTIPLE nights. This is chunked into manageable parts for the students to follow and do in steps.

– It also means that you should not procrastinate and put off the assignment until the night before it is due.

– All homework is to be typed, spell-checked, and grammar-checked.

Grades• Individual Projects• Group Projects---There is usually a group project every three weeks falling on the block scheduling

weeks.• Unit Tests---Students are given a unit study guide on the first day of each unit. What students

specifically need to know for the tests is identified under each lesson. Both levels may complete the study guides to earn bonus points added to their test score. However, Academic A students may also use their completed study guides on the tests themselves. Students are also usually given three weeks’ notice of the upcoming tests. The writing portions of the unit tests are usually take home and part of the homework process.

• Weighting of Types of Assessments: • As part of the district initiatives, each department in the high school is to have a standardized

weighting of grades for each course by level. Each course is also to have Common Formative and Summative Assessments for each level.

• Academic A Level Weighting:– Formative Assessments: 40%– Summative Assessments: 50%– Class Participation/Other: 10%

• Accelerated Level Weighting:– Formative Assessments: 40%– Summative Assessments: 50%– Class Participation/Other: 10%

Grade Sheets

• You will be given the assessment grade sheet when the homework or project is assigned.

• It is to be attached to your completed work when it is submitted to be graded.

• Please keep in mind that the grading of each assessment and the recording of the grades on the Internet database will usually take between one to two weeks, depending upon the assessment and how many classes were collected.

• If you lose the grade sheet, you are responsible for downloading a copy from Ms. Barben’s teacher page prior to the collection date.

Late Work Policy

• Late work will be accepted, but not at full credit.• If the homework or project is something that is collected is late, it will

be 10% off for each school day late.• It will be accepted up to FIVE school days late, and after that, it is too

late to turn in the assignment for partial credit. This means if the assignment is perfect, the highest score you can earn is a 50%.

• If you miss school for an approved vacation, the school policy will be enforced. All work assigned during your absences is to be completed while gone and submitted when you return to school. Otherwise, it will be considered late.

• If you miss class for sports or any other school-related activity, you must turn in any of the work due that day before you leave or it will be considered late.

• If the homework is one that is done in the notebook, it is usually a reading and note-taking assignment. This is a one-shot chance at points, because we usually go over the notes the next day. Ms. Barben will record the points in Skyward with comments.

Extra Credit

• At the end of each unit study guide, there is an Extra Credit Section with two to three different activities that can be done in the notebook for the unit.

• The extra credit is due when the notebook is due.

• You will not be allowed to turn in last minute extra credit to pull up your marking period grade.

Interactive Notebooks • Everyone is required to have a separate

notebook for Eastern World History. And this notebook is to be brought to class every day. Your notebook will be a summary of your efforts and participation in this class.

• You are expected to keep your notebook neat, dated, and in chronological order. It is not to be organized into sections.

• You are responsible for getting and making up any work, notes, and tests missed due to illness, fieldtrips, early dismissals, or band/chorus rehearsals. I will not chase after you to make them up. There are class folders in the front of the room with the work you missed labeled and waiting for you.

• You may revise any of the Quiet Questions or notes in the notebook. And I will grade the revised version, but you must keep the original in the notebook attached to the revision.

• Your notebook will contain in chronological order:

• Daily Lesson Plans• All Class Work• All Class Notes• All Class Handouts and Readings----

Many of the class readings you will have to download from Ms. Barben’s teacher page due to budgetary issues that have limited the amount of copying teachers can do.

• All Returned Graded Assessments• Extra Credit

Materials Required For Class• On Ms. Barben’s Teacher Page, there will be uploaded all the resources you need for the

class as we move through each unit.• A Three Ring Binder for Each Unit---The binders must have at least 1-inch rings, but

preferably 2 inch rings. You should get at LEAST THREE to cover one semester and then reuse them.

• Colored Pencils—to be kept at home for labeling of maps, propaganda posters, political cartoons, etc…

• Colored Pens----Black, Blue, Red, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple for note-taking and labeling of maps

• Markers—to be kept at home for propaganda posters, political cartoons, group projects, etc…

• Glue—to be kept at home for propaganda posters, political cartoons, group projects, etc…• Lined, Blank, and Construction Paper—to be kept at home• A Writing Utensil

• ADD---A FLASH DRIVE!!!!!! ADD TO LIST PLEASE!!!!!• Please bring in a box of tissues. If everyone brings in a box of tissues, we will be stocked

for the year.

Classroom Rules• Follow directions.• Be in your seat when the bell rings.• Be on task.• Raise your hand and wait to be called on.• Come to class prepared—no trips to your

locker.• Go to the bathroom during passing time.

If you come in before the bell, check in with me, and get out your homework for collection, you may go to the bathroom and come in after the bell has rung without being marked late.

• Be respectful of others.• Take responsibility for your actions.• You may eat and drink in class, but you are

responsible for all clean up. – Do not share, unless you have enough to

share with the entire class. If eating/drinking becomes disruptive or a trash problem, this privilege will be suspended

• Approved Foods and Beverages:• ----Bagels• ----Muffins• ----Breakfast Sandwiches• ----Pretzels• ----Crackers• ----Popcorn• ----Granola Bars• ----Fruit• ----Nuts• ----Milk• ----Juice• ----Water• ----Gatorade• • No candy, cupcakes, chips, soda, or other

forms of junk food are permitted. I received special permission to allow my students to eat nutritional foods in my class to help them focus on their school work.

Lateness to Class/Attendance

• For each day you are in class on time, you earn 2 points a day. This will count as a grade for the marking period.

• Every time you are late, you will lose 2 points a day. This can add up and have a significant impact on your grade.

• After your third class lateness, you will serve a teacher’s detention before or after school. After this, you will be written up for school detentions.

Extra Help

• I am available for extra help before school every day from 6:45 AM to 7:25 AM. This is the best time to come in for me to check the progress of your homework, help you organize your notebooks, help with the research paper, or if you are having questions about the content.

• • I am also available for extra help during my duty, which is Period Two in the

Writing Center. I am also available during both 8th Period Options.• • Afterschool extra help sessions are limited by the teacher meetings we have

to attend after school for faculty meetings, department meeting, professional learning groups, IEP meetings, etc…So if you want to come afterschool for extra help, please see me ahead of time to make sure I am available.

• • I also have upper classmen service club students who work with me and are

available for extra help or guidance with any homework assignments, projects, or the research paper process. All of my student aides are former students who have a strong understanding of my expectations. And if you have a free period when I also have a student aide available, you can come to my room for extra help from them as well.

Updated 2012 “We Didn’t Start the Fire”

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYK9-Cl5lRU

• “We Didn’t Start the Fire 1990-2012” edition four minutes and 29 seconds

History Helps Us Understand OUR WORLD

• You cannot understand people if you do not understand their past

• You cannot understand our community if you do not know how it came to be

• You cannot understand our nation without history

• You cannot understand our world if you do not understand history